Life and career

Early life and musical education

Norman was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Silas Norman, an insurance salesman, and Janie King-Norman, a school teacher. She was one of five children in a family of amateur musicians; her mother and grandmother were both pianists, and her father sang in a local choir. Norman's mother insisted that she start piano lessons at an early age. Norman attended Charles T. Walker Elementary School, A.R. Johnson Junior High School, and Lucy C. Laney Senior High School, all in downtown Augusta.

Famous quotes by Jessye Norman:

"If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every time you want to do something different, to find out what people are going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a very strange way to live."

"I am grateful that my horizons were not narrowed at the outset."

"The very best thing that could happen to a voice, if it shows any promise at all, is when it is very young to leave it alone and to let it develop quite naturally, and to let the person go on as long as possible with the sheer joy of singing . . ."

"I have a particular affliction. I am unable to say a word I can't spell."

"Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself"

"Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself."

Behold That Star

Behold That Star (air traditionnel)Melodie et texte: Thomas W. TallyBehold that star!Behold that star up yonder!Behold that star!It is the star of Bethlehem.There was no room found in the innFor Him who was born free from sin.The Wise Men travelled from the eastTo worship Him, the Prince of peace.A song broke forth upon the night

Life and career

Early life and musical education

Norman was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Silas Norman, an insurance salesman, and Janie King-Norman, a school teacher. She was one of five children in a family of amateur musicians; her mother and grandmother were both pianists, and her father sang in a local choir. Norman's mother insisted that she start piano lessons at an early age. Norman attended Charles T. Walker Elementary School, A.R. Johnson Junior High School, and Lucy C. Laney Senior High School, all in downtown Augusta.

Latest News for: Jessye Norman

On December 17, NationalSawdust recognizes two great African-American sopranos with 'An Evening Honoring JessyeNorman.' This special benefit concert not only celebrates the iconic soprano's career but also previews her current project, Sissieretta Jones... About her decision to undertake the project, JessyeNorman explains. ... About JessyeNorman....